Waterbrook Press recently sent me a copy of Clutter-Free Christianity by Robert Jeffress, to read and review for the book’s blog tour this week. So without further ado:
Clutter-Free Christianity
The publisher says:
When did the Christian life become so complicated?
Your greatest desire is to please God, but with each passing week, your spiritual to-do list grows longer. As you strive to fulfill a never-ending inventory of requirements for being a godly parent, spouse, voter, employee, and more, you feel increasingly disconnected from the God you’re trying to serve.
It’s time to cut through the clutter and get to the heart of what it means to please God. In this liberating look at the core principles of faith, Dr. Robert Jeffress reveals the truth about what God really wants from you–and what He wants to do for you.
Through solid biblical teaching and practical insights, Dr. Jeffress points you toward a revitalized faith centered on becoming more like Jesus in action, attitude, and affection. You’ll learn how to partner with God in the process of spiritual transformation as you choose to follow Christ in forgiveness, obedience, trust, contentment, service, and prayer.
Through a renewed focus on experiencing the kingdom of God right now, you’ll find your to-do list shrinking and your spiritual life deepening. It all comes with embracing Clutter-Free Christianity.
Includes a Bible study guide for personal growth and group discussion.
My thoughts:
To be completely honest with you, the author of this book did not click with me. After the first couple chapters, I found myself becoming uncomfortable (or even occasionally annoyed) with the way he presented some concepts and personal anecdotes. This doesn’t happen to me often — I’m usually fairly easy-going when it comes to non-fiction — but for some reason, I really struggled to relate to the author and his approach.
However, that being said, I do think that Clutter-Free Christianity makes a good back-to-basics book that Christians can use to evaluate where they are in their walk with God, and what areas they may need to work on, with God’s power and help. Essentially, the book guides readers through the concepts of having:
- A forgiving heart
- An obedient heart
- A trusting heart
- A content heart
- A serving heart
- A praying heart
In each chapter, the author examines what that chapter’s characteristic (trust, obedience, etc.) looks like, common barriers to having that characteristic in our lives, and practical ways we can work on growing in that area. I went through the book with a good friend of mine, and (despite my “issues” with the book) came away with a number of concrete things I want to implement in order to move in a positive direction.
The final chapter is very hands-on: it’s a “guided tour” through the six heart-attributes that the book discusses, providing readers with questions that will help them assess their current situation and determine the next step along their path.
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I also have a copy of Clutter-Free Christianity to give away to one of you! Just leave a comment on this post to be entered in the drawing. I’ll choose a winner, randomly, Wednesday, April 8, and announce the winner Thursday morning, with my weekly Spring Reading Thing giveway. U.S. and Canada entries only. Thanks!
Hi Katrina, I’m out of the running for the giveaway as I’m in Australia, but this does sound like an interesting book despite the “issues”. I’m happy to hear that you came away from it with some areas to improve upon. Paula
I always need a little extra help being reminded how to improve upon my person.
This one sounds good – thanks for hosting the giveaway!
This sounds like just the book I need! Thanks for offering it! Blessings!
Oh my …. I’m afraid this book was written just for me.
I have been on this crazy roller-coaster of emotions the last year and a half. It has really affected my Christian walk. I want to be on fire….and passionate again.
Great prize!
This book looks great. Sometimes my focus is definitely not in all the places it should be.
I’m going through a major Christian nonfiction book phase right now!
OOHHH! This book has been on my paperbackswap wishlist forever it seems! I really wanna read it.
I just love the quote that “Organization begins in the mind”. That is so true, you must get your inward clutter out if you want your physical surroundings to reflect a clutter-free life.
Thanks for the chance! What a wonderful book to share.
Even with your review (LOL), count me in!
Hi,
Thanks for the generous offer. I am a new believer and am just loving the His word. I have so many things I am trying to read and devour, I’m not sure sometimes which one to read. I’m definitely reading the most important book, that being the bible. My thoughts are are jumbled and I’m trying to figure things out. I do need to simply, so this book sounds great!
Thank you,
Patricia
Thanks for the book reviews! I”ve never heard of this one either!
Sounds like an interesting book!
This sounds like an interesting book. I get what you are saying. Sometimes you just have to find a different author that “speaks your language”.
Thanks for the review..sounds like a god good book! ?
I’ve heard really good things about this book!
-Ashley
Hello! I would love to give this book a try. I am in a faith class at our church and it would be very beneficial for me. Please enter my name in your drawing.
Many thanks…..Cindi
I am surrounded by clutter — physically,emotionally, spiritually. This sounds like a book worth reading. Count me in! Thanks!
Great giveaway!
amullins38703atgmaildotcom
Great topic, thanks for the contest.
I have been trying to get on with Waterbrook and I would definitely be interested in reading this book if I win! Great contest. I have a blog at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/OhioSarah and http://quivermom.blogspot.com/ if you’d like to check out my reviews as well.
Sarah
SeekingHim @ gmail dot com